Cochlear implants can offer a whole new level of sound and communication when hearing aids are not enough. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for people who have moderate to extreme hearing loss and continue to have difficulty comprehending speech despite using hearing aids. Who can potentially benefit from a cochlear implant, and what criteria establish whether someone is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s have a closer look!
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants work by exciting the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged sections of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This helps the brain to receive and interpret sound signals more clearly.
Components of cochlear implants:
- An external sound processor, which is placed behind the ear
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed underneath the skin and inside the cochlea
Together, they help recover access to sound for individuals who get little or no help from traditional hearing aids.
General candidacy standards
Both kids and adults are approved by the FDA to use cochlear implants. Characteristics of Suitable Candidates:
- Substantial hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are giving mediocere assistance, especially in improving speech comprehension
- Enthusiasm and reasonable anticipations regarding the results of implants
- Dedication to ongoing care, including programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Kids as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with severe to profound hearing loss, who get minimal benefit from hearing aids
- Kids who experience ongoing hearing deterioration benefit significantly from prompt support, which plays a critical role in maximizing their potential for language skills, educational accomplishment, and social growth. If parents suspect hearing loss, they are encouraged to take quick action.
Adult cochlear implants
Adults of any age can benefit from cochlear implants if they:
- Have extreme hearing loss in one or both ears
- Struggle to understand words and conversations, in spite of using advanced hearing devices
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and stay socially connected
- Dedicated to taking part in continuous auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
Some people lose hearing gradually over time, while others might lose it abruptly as a result of illness, trauma, or genetic conditions. In both situations, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
The assessment process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a thorough evaluation with a specialized hearing care team. This usually includes:
- A full hearing exam with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- A hearing aid trial run, if one hasn’t been completed recently
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to evaluate inner ear anatomy
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments
The team will work together to evaluate whether a cochlear implant is the best option, and if so, guide you through the next steps.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants aren’t for everybody, but for the right candidate, they can significantly enhance communication, self-reliance, and quality of life. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails undergoing a personalized assessment with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, it may be time to look into cochlear implants.
If you think you or your child is a candidate for cochlear implants, schedule an appointment now!
Sources:.
– https://www.healthline.com/health/cochlear-implant.
– https://www.med.unc.edu/ent/adultcochlearimplant/cochlear-implants/cochlear-implant-.
evaluation-process/.
– https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/professionals/products-and-.
candidacy/candidacy/cochlear-implant.
– https://www.childrensent.com/blog/who-qualifies-for-pediatric-cochlear-implants-a-.
comprehensive-guide/.
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for kids
Early implantation is key for children, especially when it comes to speech and language development. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions: